Kruger Park on high alert

Various parts of the Kruger National Park (KNP), particularly in the far north, will be affected by major rainfall and strong winds this weekend, according to reports from the South African Weather Service.

The severe weather is expected to take effect from tomorrow, due to tropical storm Eloise.

Disaster teams in the park and external role players are on high alert and monitoring the storm’s path as it approaches landfall from the Mozambique channel.

“Our scientists, in conjunction with the SA Weather Service, are closely monitoring developments and will advise on whether we need to evacuate camps in the affected areas or not,” said Gareth Coleman, managing executive at the KNP.

“As a precautionary measure, we have already closed all gravel roads and some facilities in the Pafuri area after heavy rain [on Wednesday evening].

South African National Parks advised people with bookings at flagged camps in the far north – such as Sirheni, Shimuwini and Bateleur Bushveld Camps, as well as Sable Hide – would be accommodated at Letaba, Mopani, Shingwedzi and Punda Maria Rest Camps.

“Emergency teams are on standby in the park, monitoring the situation, and will be activated if there is any danger. We urge tourists to be extra cautious during this period and to call our emergency number for any assistance on 076-801-9679 or 013-735-0197/4064,” said Coleman.

Eloise, currently over the Mozambique Channel whose warm Indian Ocean waters fuel its strength, could develop into a category 3 tropical cyclone, Mozambique’s National Meteorological Institute said.

Cyclones and flash floods, which used to batter this stretch of southeast African coastline only rarely, have become a regular occurrence as warmer waters linked to global warming from greenhouse gas emissions cause stronger storms, while rising seas make low-lying coastlines vulnerable, experts say.

Eloise, due to make landfall today, could pack winds of up to 140km/h and deliver 200mm of rain in 24 hours. – Reuters